Safety Committee

A Safer Bryn Mawr Starts With Us

About the Bryn Mawr Safety Committee

We are working on forming a Safety Committee. If interested, contact coordinator@bmna.org

Meetings

The Safety Committee is currently meeting as a full committee on an as-needed basis. Check the Events calendar to stay caught up on the latest.

Important Contacts

  • Call 311 to report things like graffiti on public property, possible housing code violations, long grass and weeds, abandoned vehicles, trash or debris in alleys, potholes, street sign issues and ice on the sidewalk or street.

  • Call 911 to report illegal or suspicious activity while it’s happening.

  • Call 612-673-5714 to report Property Crimes.

  • Call 311 to report concerns about criminal activities that are ongoing and not in progress, such as suspected narcotics activity – e.g. lots of people who are not residents coming and going from a property.

Safety Tips From the MPD

  • Before you head out

    • Know where you are going and the safest way to get there. Stay in well-travelled and lit areas. Avoid alleys.

    • Have a plan. Know where you can go and how to contact police in an emergency.

    • Carry a whistle or other noise maker.

    • Vary your walking, jogging or biking routes. Avoid isolated areas. Try to go with a friend.

    • Don't wear headphones. You might not notice or hear a threat until it’s too late.

    • Avoid excessive amounts of jewelry. Turn rings so stones face the palm of your hand.

    • Carry only what you need.  Don’t carry a lot of cash or extra credit or debit cards.

    • Carry emergency contact information.

    While you're out

    • Be aware at all times: keep your eyes open, up and off your phone.

    • Walk with a purpose. Keep your head up and your eyes open to what is around you.

    • Keep purses and packages closed and tucked securely between your arms and body.

  • Follow these safety practices

    • Check your house for weak access points.

    • Always lock your doors and windows. Use deadbolt locks on doors.

    • Keep sidewalks and steps clear of ice and snow.

    • Never prop open the door to an apartment building; report residents who do.

    • Document serial numbers of electronics.

    • Take pictures of all valuables, and store the photos in a safe place.

    Install safety features in your home

    • Buy and use variable light timers inside your home.

    • Install and use automatic outside lighting.

    • Install window guards that prevent windows from being raised more than a few inches.

    • Use a locking mailbox.

  • Doorstep delivery is often a crime of opportunity. Thieves follow delivery trucks or watch for packages out in the open.

    Before you order something to be shipped

    • Choose the right service for your needs.

    • Ship the package to a location where you know someone will be available to receive it. Consider selecting the “signature required” option.

    • Consider sending FedEx packages to a FedEx Office location near you or choose from several delivery options. 

    • Consider sending UPS  packages to a UPS stores near you that has package pickup options. 

    • The United States Postal Service offers ways to track your packages and and secure safe delivery. 

    • Amazon has lock boxes at various locations. Check your shipping options before you order.

    If you see something, say something

    If you see something suspicious, such as a person picking up a package from your neighbor’s front step or a car following a delivery van, call 911.

    If you are a victim of package theft,  contact 311. If you have suspect information, call 911 or file an online police report.

    File claims with your shipper

    For lost, stolen or damaged shipments, contact the shipper:

  • When dining out or shopping

    • When dining out, keep your purse on your lap or between your feet with the handle around the leg of your chair or foot.

    • Do not leave valuables unattended at your table.

    • When shopping, don't leave your purse or wallet unattended. If you must put your purse in a shopping cart, anchor it to the cart with the child safety seat belt. Keep the purse closed.

    Keep passwords and credit cards safe

    • Never carry passwords in your purse or wallet.

    • Keep a list of all credit, debit and identification cards and numbers and their customer service numbers in a safe place in case you need to close an account or report a theft.

  • When you're out

    • Carry only what you need. Do not take large amounts of cash or unnecessary personal items with you.

    • Pat attention to your surroundings. Trust your instincts. Be aware of strangers loitering in your area. 

    • Don’t get distracted: keep your eyes open and off your phone.

    • Keep your phone and other electronics out of sight so you don't tempt thieves.

    • Call 911 for any suspicious activity, such as strangers walking in yards or between houses, the sound of glass breaking or loud banging, and unfamiliar trucks or vans lingering in your alley. 

    If you're confronted or robbed

    • If you're confronted, stay calm and cooperate. Your life is worth more than your money or phone.

    • If you're a victim of robbery, call 911. Try to report as much information about the suspect as you can.

    • Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid focusing on your phone or being distracted when approaching or leaving your vehicle and when sitting in a parked vehicle.

    • When sitting in your vehicle, keep your doors locked and your windows up.

    • If you feel unsafe, move.

    • Understand and use any alert system installed on your vehicle.

    • Activate the distress alert or panic button for your vehicle if you feel unsafe or threatened. This is typically a red button on your key fob.

    • Always have your mobile phone handy and charged.

    • Practice safe parking.

    • Stick to well-lit areas. If you have any safety concerns where you parked after the fact, find a security guard to accompany you to your vehicle.

    • If you are involved in a minor crash without other vehicles or pedestrians around and you do not feel safe enough to stop, immediately call 911, report the crash incident, and drive to a nearby, public area to exchange information or wait for police.

    • To minimize your losses if you encounter a carjacker, protect your other valuables. Avoid carrying a lot of cash, ensure that all apps with personal information or access to finances are secured by more than your phone’s lock screen, and immediately report any lost or stolen credit or debit cards.

    If you become the victim of a carjacking crime…

    • If you are confronted by an assailant and are not able to drive away, remain calm, do not argue.

    • Try to remember how the assailant looks and acts, including any of their unique characteristics (such as scars, limps, acne, teeth, manner of speech).

    • Never chase them.

    • If video is available, please save a copy of the incident for investigating detectives.

    • If a witness approaches you, ask for their contact information.

    • Contact 911 immediately and remain on the scene if possible. If your vehicle or phone has tracking, tell the dispatcher.

    Look Out for One Another

    • Call 911 immediately if you witness a crime in progress.

    • Pay attention to specific details. License plates, features of the vehicles involved (including any damage), descriptions of suspects and the direction of travel can all be helpful. Give this information to responding officers.

    • If you have video of the crime, give a copy to the police or give them your contact information.


Minneapolis Security Camera and Video Doorbell Registration Program

When a crime happens, the camera registry program helps the police quickly locate the nearest cameras. If you choose to register your camera:

The police will contact you to ask for video if they need it for the investigation.
The police can’t access your camera. They simply know where your camera is, which is helpful if a crime happens nearby.

Registration is free and does not require any hardware or a subscription.
You set up a personal password-protected profile. You can sign on and edit or delete your information at any time.

Only authorized users can access the information: The police don’t have direct access to your cameras. They will only use the registry to contact you to request footage if there’s a crime in your area. Your data is classified as protected nonpublic data. The information can’t be disclosed in a public data request

Help Deter Crime With Your Neighbors By Forming a Block Club

Forming a Block Club is a good way to stay connected and aware of things happening on your street.

Neighbors, usually on one block, work together to be aware of suspicious activity and watch out for each other, and to solve problems and deal with issues in conjunction with the Police Department.

Block Club Leaders receive regular, updated information about neighborhood crime from your crime prevention specialist and help the Police by letting them know what’s happening on your block or in your building.

Block Club leaders also arrange social gatherings such as National Night Out.

You can choose one or more neighbors to be the club leaders. MPD recommends having more than one person to share the responsibilities.